Mississippi

Workforce Success Story Submitted By: Southcentral MS Works LWIA

Meet Brandon

Workforce Challenge

In Fall, 2007, Brandon Goldsmith was busily working as a nursing assistant at Franklin County Hospital and taking courses in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Copiah Lincoln Community College. He was making $6.35 an hour when he was laid off in June 2008. Barely finished with the first year of his degree program, he learned about the Workforce Investment Act and hoped he could get some assistance with completing school. His ultimate goal was to become a Registered Nurse, but now he didn't know how that would happen.

Workforce Solution

Brandon went into the Brookhaven WIN Job Center and met with the WIA Coordinator and the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Educational Coordinator. After completing orientation and going through an application process, Brandon qualified for an Individual Training Account to help with books, tuition and uniforms. Through hard work and determination, he graduated with his Associate Degree in Nursing on May 12, 2009. He would not have been able to reach this goal without the help provided by the WIA/ITA program.

Outcomes & Benefits

Since receiving his degree, Mr. Goldsmith has obtained his nursing license, gotten married, and is now working for Franklin County Hospital as an RN making a salary of $19.00/hr. Brandon loves his work and enjoys caring for his patients.